Legal firm Lindsays brought experts together to share investment advice for tech firms.
Investment interest in Scotland’s growing tech sector is strong, but the case for support needs to be compelling, according to experts. Legal firm Lindsays hosted a special event as part of Glasgow Tech Week on Tuesday to help businesses in the industry prepare to attract new backers.
The event, titled “Getting your tech business investment ready: The legal jigsaw explained”, brought together business founders, owners, investors, and advisors. The session aimed to share insight on the critical pieces that need to be in play to attract investors.
Alastair Smith, a Partner at Lindsays and a corporate and technology lawyer who advises businesses and investors, led the event. He stated: “From the people we work with, it’s clear that appetite to invest in Scotland’s tech sector is strong. Capital remains available for innovative and exciting start-up and growing enterprises.”
Mr Smith added: “The innovation within Scotland’s tech sector is world-renowned. The ongoing potential within it is huge – with investors domestically and internationally open financing emerging initiatives or helping businesses to move to the next level.” He also noted that investors are increasingly selective with their support, which brings added scrutiny of prospects, and those seeking investment must be prepared for this to stand the greatest chance of securing successful growth.
Glasgow Tech Week, organised by Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID), features more than 40 events. It brings together technologists, artists, designers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to explore how creativity and technology combine to drive innovation and growth.
The Lindsays event attracted a capacity audience and featured Mr Smith alongside Daniel Gorry, a Partner in the firm’s employment law team. They were joined for a panel discussion by Niki McKenzie, Joint Managing Director of Archangel Investors; Rafee Ahamed, a senior Barclays Eagle Labs executive; and Andrew Durkie, a Partner at Eos Advisory.
Held at Lindsays’ Queen Street offices in the city centre, the session focused on the key legal building blocks that investors expect to see in place before committing capital. These include company structure, shareholder arrangements, intellectual property ownership, and employee documentation.
Mr Smith commented: “The creativity, energy and innovation in Scotland’s tech sector never fails to impress me.” He further highlighted that securing investment can be a challenge for creators and entrepreneurs, and a greater understanding of how enterprises can ready themselves could enhance the angel and wider investment scene across Scotland.
GCID, anchored by the University of Strathclyde, collaborates with industry, investors, academia, and government to deliver inclusive economic growth through innovation.
